Network Architect

Department

This position is within FSU's North West Regional Data Center

NWRDC offers software, infrastructure, storage and other data center capabilities as a service to Florida's higher education institutions, K-12 school districts, and state and local government agencies - at a significant cost savings.

Responsibilities

This position works with technical support to develop network architecture solutions that align with the overall University strategic direction. Responsible for providing technical direction and architecture to implement and manage highly advanced complex enterprise networks for NWRDC and its City, State, College, University, and K-12 customers.

Manages the Tallahassee Fiber Loop and Tallahassee's connection point to the Florida LambdaRail. Coordinates and performs the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of various network infrastructure products.

Responsible for designing integrated network solutions which may include routers, VPNs, IPS/IDS, protocol recommendations, network topologies, and related systems. Acts as custodian of the network architecture process that interfaces with project and program managers to guide the scope and direction of network solutions.

Formulates and defines system specifications and objectives through analysis of networking trends and NWRDC and customer needs. Determines and evaluates potential solutions, develops system specifications and requirements, designs programs to meet the requirements, and tests and validates solutions. Ensures quality control by ongoing testing and feedback from the NWRDC customer community. Follows best practices for change management and security as well as other guidelines and procedures provided by NWRDC and customers.

Designs, install, troubleshooting and maintenance for various router, switch, firewall, VPN, and load balancing systems at NWRDC that may include IPS/IDS, protocol recommendations, network technologies, and related systems. Analyzes and evaluates networks including developing and recommending solutions to complex network problems. Assumes responsibility for the design, planning and implementation of LAN/WAN infrastructures.

Assists in the revision and development of policy, procedure, and standards to ensure that operations and systems remain up-to-date and relevant in a dynamic networking environment. Work with technical support members to develop network architecture solutions that are aligned with the overall strategic direction of NWRDC.

Assesses NWRDC customer networking trends and needs and provides network connectivity support both internally and for NWRDC customers. Provides guidance and assistance to all NWRDC staff members from both a technical and planning perspective.

Participates in approved professional development opportunities per NWRDC's policy. Professional development and training are defined as learning undertaken by the employee to maintain and advance their skills, knowledge and competencies, specifically as they relate and add value to the job and workplace.

Participates in an after-hours support and/or team on-call rotation in support of a 24x7 data center.

NWRDC provides support for a wide range of state and local government, as well K20 organizations across the State of Florida. These organizations are dependent on NWRDC to accomplish their missions.

This requires NWRDC to maintain services 24x7, even during times of crisis or emergency. As such, all NWRDC staff are considered essential staff for operations of the State of Florida.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and six years of experience or a high school diploma or equivalent and ten years of experience. (Note: or a combination of appropriate post high school education and experience equal to ten years.)

Preferred Qualifications

IT Industry certifications to specific OEM's Cisco, Palo Alto, Check Point, Sonic Wall, Juniper, etc.

Helpful

Who is an ideal candidate for this position?

Familiar/previous experience with large-enterprise network management, or previous managed service provider (MSP) experience.

What is a typical day in this position?

Troubleshooting several different customer networks, and various manufacture routing, switch, and firewall platforms.

What can I expect in the first 60-90 days?

Onboarding, HR and administrative training, CJIS access training, and environment familiarization.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida.

FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

As required by U.S. Justice Department, CJIS level Background Checks shall be conducted for positions with access to Criminal Justice Information.

This position has been designated as eligible for full remote based on the current job duties and functions.

This position is open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: https://hr.fsu.edu/sites/g/files/upcbnu2186/files/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf.